The Shadow of Great Britain

754: Chapter 359: The Afterglow of the Sunset 754: Chapter 359: The Afterglow of the Sunset London streets, a heavy downpour.

Arthur sat in a speeding carriage, the rough ride causing the pipe in his mouth to tremble up and down, occasionally sending out sparks.

Although it was still office hours, Arthur had not chosen to wear his uniform but had casually put on a dark coat with a wide-brimmed hat covering his eyes and a high collar hiding the corners of his mouth, concealing his expressions.

This was the purpose of his attire; he did not want others to recognize who he was.

Sitting next to him, Louis opened the carriage window, and before he could look out, he heard the sound of young people’s shouts and protests mingling with the rain hitting the bluestones.

“Mr.

Bentham, we want to see Mr.

Bentham!”

“At this time, we earnestly request Mr.

Bentham to continue leading us as he has for the past thirty years!”

“The Westminster constituency urgently needs Mr.

Bentham to take charge.

We don’t trust the Whig Party, nor the Tory Party; we, the voters of Westminster, only recognize Jeremy Bentham.”

With a worried look, Louis glanced at the enthusiastic young people outside Bentham’s estate; although the downpour was heavy, it did not dampen their support for Bentham.

As these young people had said, the Westminster constituency was quite special among Britain’s over six hundred constituencies.

In the 1807 Westminster election, under Bentham’s leadership, the radical liberals unexpectedly defeated the Tory and Whig parties, and for the next twenty years, they rarely lost that seat.

Anyone familiar with British politics knew what a miracle that was, as incredible as Shepherd David defeating the giant Goliath.

This not only made Westminster’s political status unprecedentedly important but also established Jeremy Bentham’s significant role in British politics, positioning him as the banner of the third force after the Whig and Tory parties.

The stable influence of the radical liberals in Westminster also made Bentham’s name widely known, and more people began to agree with his political views.

James Mill, the father of John Stuart Mill, and Brougham, among others, became disciples of Bentham during this period, turning into staunch followers of utilitarianism.

The inclusion of these eminent figures made the formation of a utilitarian group inevitable.

They had their political organization—the Westminster Union—and their own publication, “The Westminster Review.”

In the face of such success, it was inevitable for Bentham’s supporters to idolize him.

Although Mr.

Bentham himself scoffed at religion, this did not prevent his followers from using the “Bible” to sing praises and boast about him, calling him the God of Westminster.

In many subsequent challenges, these Davids consistently exhibited the courage to overcome difficulties with the faith of “in the name of Jehovah of hosts.”

“In God I trust; I will not be afraid.

What can mere flesh do to me?”

They echoed Saint Paul’s words, “Let no one despise your youth.” These were the encouraging words of the older Saint to the young Timothy, for God never lets lack of experience cause failure.

We often hear people say, “One plus God is a majority.” This is true, for God Himself represents the majority.

God does not need people to explain Him, but He desires that His will be executed.

God rarely uses a multitude of people; He often uses a few, or even just one.

God’s glory is not to be obscured by the world.

God likes to use the little people to achieve great things!

We may think too highly of ourselves and unwilling to be used by God.

But to God, we are never too small!

Elijah plus God could defeat four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal.

David plus God could conquer the giant Goliath.

Daniel plus God could overcome the enemy’s conspiracies.

Gideon’s three hundred brave warriors plus God could defeat thousands of enemies.

A lad who gave five loaves and two fish into the Lord’s hands could feed five thousand people.

Moses plus God could lead two million people out of slavery in Egypt.

Of course, even if it were God alone, He would still triumph, but God prefers someone to execute His will.”

Youth naturally admire great figures, and Bentham himself was a qualified mentor; it was indeed fortunate to receive his teachings at a young age.

But for Arthur and Scotland Yard, this certainly was not a good thing.

Youths, full of vigor, often executed their plans regardless of the consequences.

In other words, whether right or wrong, successful or not, they were always at the forefront.

And at this age, most of them had nothing but a full heart of passion, so casualties were always high.

For this group of lads, the Red Devil leaning by the window could only scoff at them: “War is always started by the old folks, and the young people fight.

History is always repeating itself, simply because humanity fails to learn its lesson.

How did Pope put it?”

To the Red Devil’s mockery, Arthur only recited softly, “The human race errs roundly; only God can pardon.

Pride, the fool has cherished it long.”

Startled by the comment, Louis wasn’t sure why Arthur had suddenly said this.